Filmmaker Jan Vrhovnik Joins Emerald in the US

Emerald Pictures welcomes Slovenian-born, London-based filmmaker Jan Vrhovnik to its curated directorial roster of global talent. Vrhovnik is this year’s esteemed recipient of the Young Directors Award at Cannes Lions. He brings his documentary-informed approach to fictional storytelling to Emerald, who will represent Vrhovnik in the US market.

Vrhovnik’s work is timeless and sincere, bringing a soulful sensibility to beautiful everyday moments and illuminating what is often overlooked. Often set in naturalistic scenescapes, his films are marked by his hallmark authenticity, light humor, and a reverence for the beauty of life. Vrhovnik remains committed to creating positive and impactful work through his distinctive style.

Vrhovnik began his career as a cinematographer, a formational experience that naturally evolved into his heightened visual style, making him a natural fit for commercial and fashion clients alike. His fashion brand collaborations include work for Balenciaga, Gucci x TheNorthFace, Hermès, Axel Arigato, JW Anderson, and Zara Home. Vrhovnik’s commercial clients have included well-known brands such as Aēsop and eBay. He has also worked with luminary celebrity talents like Sir Ian McKellen, Tom Felton, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

As a narrative filmmaker, Vrhovnik directed the short film “Paradiso,” which was shot on the sun-kissed Calabrian coast of Italy, and “Edi,” which earned him a 2023 Gold YDA and two Berlin Commercials Gold Awards. Based on his childhood in Slovenia, “Edi” is a cinematically stunning tribute to Jan’s grandfather of the same name, an inspirational hero with an insatiable appetite for life. NOWNESS presented both films. He reprised his role as director of photography for the romantic drama She Is Love, a feature film selected for the BFI London Film Festival in 2022, starring Haley Bennett and Sam Riley.

Vrhovnik says of joining Emerald, “Thrilled to join the Emerald family and their extremely talented roster, as I continue to expand my career as commercial director. Both Mara [Milićević] and John [Duffin] are wonderful. They understand my filmmaking approach, appreciate me, and truly believe in my work. I’m delighted to offer my filmmaking vision to the US market.”

John Duffin, co-founder and managing director of Emerald Pictures, adds of Vrhovnik, “Jan is a filmmaker, full-stop. He understands the medium from every angle and uses it expertly to create top-notch films. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and we look forward to bringing his unmistakable talent to the US.”